A precious puppy who boasts a belly bloated by parasites.
A nursing mom who knows only the inside of a crate.
A discarded youth who ferreted under a fence.
A terrified terrier whose guardian’s a ghost.
A little lady who lost her way in the woods.
A helpless hound who jumps after her siblings with not a care.
A lumbering senior who lingers on the edge of consciousness.
A blue-eyed beauty who curls on a faded comforter.
If you walk by and look into the eyes of those housed in this shelter, you might see fear or sadness or abject terror. But do not deny that the animals here have something special, something not always seen.
Hope.
Hope for survival. Hope for a home. Hope for love and companionship. Hope for a bed, for toys, for playmates, for sunlight and snuggles.
They might not know this hope, but we can see it. We can picture the lives they could live outside the walls of their confinement: the fantasy of a family, the provision of paradise, the quiet comfort of a couch.
While humans might declare this a spot of despair, it does not have to be so seen. Not long ago, shelters were just a dream of the discarded. Dogs were drowned, deserted, and abandoned. They were rubbish for rivers and roadsides.
Nowadays humane is part of our lexicon, but how humane is humane? Shelters can be houses of hope, places of protection, sanctuaries for second chances. It’s easy to say that their doors should be open. Although, to be open for any and all, be they found or surrendered, there must be space to spare. To have space there must be dogs leaving, but how do they leave? With lives, or without? You would think there would be no question that lives should be lived, but what choice is there to make when there is no choice?
We make shelters what they are. They can range from euthanasia establishments to abodes for the about to be adopted. So, save the souls that are striving to thrive through this society governed by humans but lived in by all. Empty the shelters out into homes awaiting with open arms.
Stare into the eyes of a canine companion sheltering in an unfamiliar cell and you will see hope shining behind the gaze, overcoming pain past and present. Shelters are not resigned to sadness. They are symbols of happiness yet to come. Hope doesn’t burrow underground or flutter overhead. It lives in the beating hearts of you and me and our furry friends.
A pleased puppy prancing around a newfound home.
A marvelous mom needing to worry no more.
A dancing youth zooming round and round.
A terrific terrier meandering on morning walks, tongue hanging loose.
A lovely lady booping her brother before bed.
A happy hound toddling after toddlers teetering around an apartment.
A sleepy senior snuggling at night on soft sheets.
A blithe beauty living a life full of love.
Interested in adopting? There are more than likely shelters and rescues near you. You can also check out websites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet to see online listings of pets in need of a home.